Whitesboro's Maria Lapertosa scored a game-high 23 points and the game-winning basket to help Whitesboro to a 46-45 win over Indian River (Pat Spadafore | pspadafore@syracuse.com)

Maria Lapertosa scored a game-high 25 points and the game-winning basket as Whitesboro advanced to Class A final with a 46-45 win over Indian River in the Class A semifinal. The Warriors (11-9) advance to play Jamesville-DeWitt, 65-35 winners over Camden game in the finals.

Maria Lapertosa hit the game-winning shot with 17 seconds left in the game.

"I really didn't know what the score was at the time," said Maria. "After my first shot attempt was blocked, I knew I had to take the ball to the rack and score."

The Warrior were able to open up a slim 35-32 halftime lead as Kaylee Gassner scored her teams last five points. Gassner finished with 11.

"Kaylee and Kristyn Deuel really stepped up with Lindsay Roberts out today," said Whitesboro coach Todd Scott. And Lauren Lapertosa really battled under the boards for us today. She was the only real answer we had for Indian River, who was much more physical and tougher than we could see on film."

Talicia Jackson and Kammikia Barnes led Indian River with 13 and 12 points respectively. But missed free throws hurt the Warriors, who finished 5-12, including a stretch in the second half when they missed six in a row.